Mayor Kristen Brown has met with state Department of Transportation and Louisville & Indiana Railroad Co. officials twice in the past month to talk about short- and long-term solutions to the traffic tie-ups caused by trains on State Road 46 near Highway 11, pictured Thursday, July 3, 2014, in Columbus. Andrew Laker | The Republic

Solid estimates for overpass not ready yet

Initial cost estimates at $40 million for an overpass over the State Road 46 train crossing on Columbus’ west side may be on the high side, city officials said.

A city committee entrusted with examining what the city can do to adjust to a planned increase in railroad traffic through Columbus is waiting for the next report from consultants who may have a better idea of alternatives and cost estimates.

City officials had said at the September redevelopment meeting in that they expected have more information from consultants this month.

However, John Doren- busch, who leads a city committee studying the impact of the increased railroad traffic, said new information from American StructurePoint might not come until November.

American Structurepoint is working on projected costs for two or three overpass alternatives for the State Road 46 intersection, which had been estimated earlier at $40 million.

Dorenbusch said that number might be too high, depending on alternatives, and the consultants will refine alternatives and cost estimates to consider in November.

CSX is investing up to $100 million in upgrades for its railroad project overall between Louisville and Indianapolis, including shoring up the railroad line to hold the heavier trains.

After the city’s consultants finish cost estimates for overpass options, the city could have a public open house to discuss and consider the alternatives — perhaps in January, Dorenbusch said.